Seasons of Opportunities

On the day of a late spring storm, in Chicago, Autumn Manning boarded an “L” train. A bomb explodes, killing everyone in the train car except for Autumn—the sole survivor. A year has passed and Autumn suffocates under a blanket of what ifs and the pressing desire to bring the victims back to life, every day, if only for her. She doesn’t want their stories to be forgotten. She wants to undo what cannot be undone. An unexpected ally joins her efforts, also seeking answers and trying to find a way to stumble ahead. But one victim’s husband, Paul Elliott, prays to let the dead—and their secrets—rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to hurt his loved ones. Caught between loss and hope, these restless souls must release the past to embrace a sovereign God.  

I received this book in exchange for my opinion. No other compensation was given. Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white. If only her tenuous future didn't rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her

Recently I received a copy of the following book in exchange for my honest review. This post will have book purchase advertisement. The FTC requires you be given fair warning! Now relax and enjoy the review. Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?  A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Bethany grew up in small town of Peaks, but has left for good. She has no desire to return, or does she? Unexpected circumstances bring her back. The longer she stays, the harder she finds it is to get away. She is torn by her choices. Bethany has no relationship with God, although she grew up in church. Her used-to-be best friend is suffering a tragedy, and her grandfather passes away leaving her his farm (with a catch of course). Bethany thought she had her life all figured out until now. She has no idea where to turn, what to make of God, or how to fix her life. Does the Peaks still hold something for her? Can she find God again? Katie does a great job in this book. As you read the story, and get to know Bethany, Robin, and Evan you will feel like you are part of their story. She also has a great example of how at times people you think are called of God, act like they are God, but completely drive people away from God.  You...